Retro Roundup: Xbox Originals Vol. 3

On December 4, 2007, Microsoft launched the Xbox Originals service. Through the Xbox Live Marketplace, you can now download original Xbox titles for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15 USD). Rather than reviewing these games all over again, we give you the Retro Roundup. Here you can find all of the information you'll need to make your downloading decisions. For each title recently released, we'll run down everything from the size of the download to whether the game has stood the test of time.

None of the Xbox Originals have been significantly changed in any way from how they were first released. That means you won't get achievements or find online play in a game that didn't have it the first time around. Since these downloads are running on the same emulation software that allows you to run Xbox games in your 360, the experience is the same. The plus side to that is that any Xbox saves you have on your 360 will work with the originals, and vice versa. The downside is that not every game runs perfectly. Microsoft has released a list of the known issues for the Xbox Originals which you can find here.

Developed By: Criterion Originally Released: February 27, 2006 Download Size: 1.6 GB Original Score: 8.6 read the full review

Black is everything you'd ever want in a shooter if all you ever wanted to do was shoot stuff. It's an extremely focused game that offers one of the most visceral gaming experiences you'll find anywhere. But, it offers little variation outside of blowing things up and its short length and lack of multiplayer will irk some people. No matter its faults, however, this is a game that everyone really should play through. After going through it ourselves, we can't help but think of the leaps that Criterion made with its Burnout series and are anxious to see if they'll carry over to Black as well. If nothing else, Black really, really makes us hunger for a sequel. - Chris Roper

Black has stood the test of time. Though it's two years old and from a last-gen system, Black looks better than some recent shooters on Xbox 360. The richly detailed environments feature a high level of destructibility and the weapons look damned sexy. The only ugly thing in Black is the ragdoll deaths, which are lackluster compared to the over-the-top action showcased throughout the game. Black's biggest drawback on Xbox was its length. It's still a very short game that lacks any multiplayer. However, it's a steal for $15. Honestly, you may forget you're playing an Xbox Original it looks so good.

As Xbox.com points out, there are some lighting bugs that affect some of the character models. But it's a fairly minor complaint considering the game runs well, with a few spots of the same framerate drags that hit the original Xbox version. The game plays in widescreen and looks incredible for an Xbox title.

Black is easy to find in used bins, but will likely cost you a little more than the Xbox Originals $15 price tag. We found numerous copies on sale on EBay. Most sold for between $10-15 .